They are available at 458, 488, 514, 532, 552, 561 and 588 nm, at output powers of up to 120 mW. They are nominally configured with 1 m of single-mode polarization-preserving fiber, terminating in a standard FC/APC 8° connector, simplifying their use in stand-alone applications or integration into OEM instruments.

They are based on the Sapphire laser platform that delivers a circular output beam with low beam drift, enabling efficient coupling. They use PermAlign technology, a rugged permanent fiber-pigtailing method rather than an air-launched setup using multiaxis adjustable mounts that drift over time. The fiber is an integral part of the resonator plate, independent of the outer housing.

The lasers deliver output stability of <±2% over 2 h, and ±3 °C after warm-up, noise of <0.25% rms at 10 Hz to 2 MHz, and an ambient temperature operating range from 10 to 40 °C. A special fiber termination allows operation at short wavelengths and/or high powers without fiber degradation or damage.

Applications include the life sciences, metrology and inspection. Typical examples are fluorescence-based techniques, where fiber delivery is used to facilitate miniaturization, such as flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The wavelength scalability of Sapphire’s optically pumped semiconductor laser technology enables optimum excitation of target fluorophores.

A method of measuring the characteristics of microscopic particles, usually cells, as they flow in a fluid stream through a beam of light. Particles may be stained with fluorescent dye and the fluorescence detected via laser illumination.

Coherent was founded in May of 1966. As it was for most companies starting out in the mid-60’s, the company’s start was modest. With limited financial resources, Coherent established its headquarters in the Palo Alto, CA home of one of...